Self-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites - A New Class of Material for the Motorsports Industry

Beginning in 2007, NASCAR^® introduced the use of the Tegris^™ self-reinforced, polypropylene composite materials into motorsports applications. The selection of this engineered thermoplastic composite was based on numerous performance advantages over other materials. This paper outlines the application-specific testing conducted by Milliken & Company (the developer of the Tegris^™ material), NASCAR R&D, and Cranfield University including quasi-static, dynamic, and full scale track testing to evaluate and quantify the performance and advantages of this relatively new class of material.